nuclear power programme

Western grid to get 160 MW more soon given the rising demand in summer

India's nuclear journey began with the 1974 'Peaceful Nuclear Explosion' at Pokhran, making it the sixth nation to harness atomic power for defence. Driven by regional security concerns, India conducted the 'Operation Shakti' tests in 1998, solidifying its status as a nuclear power. These advancements underscore India's strategic capabilities and technological prowess.

Fifty-two years ago, India detonated a nuclear device in Rajasthan's Thar desert, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha'. This event, coinciding with Buddha Purnima, marked India's entry into the nuclear club. Despite being officially termed a 'peaceful nuclear explosion', the test ignited debate and reshaped India's global standing, demonstrating scientific self-reliance and announcing strategic intent.

Madhu Bangarappa orders crackdown on illegal liquor sale

India's ambitious Marut supersonic fighter, designed by Kurt Tank, faced early setbacks due to underfunded engines, limiting its performance. Despite this, it proved effective in the 1971 war, destroying enemy tanks. Bureaucratic indecision ultimately doomed upgrades, mirroring current challenges with the Tejas program's engine development and integration, highlighting a recurring theme in India's aviation history.

Russia has successfully tested its new RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed 'Satan II' by NATO. President Putin hailed it as the world's most powerful nuclear weapon, capable of carrying multiple warheads and evading missile defenses.

The recent drone strike near the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, though causing no damage, has heightened regional tensions. Iran, accused by the UAE of numerous attacks, denies involvement but warns of limited patience. Meanwhile, reports suggest the UAE's covert operations in Iran just before the announcement of the ceasefire. The incident underscores the escalating conflict, with potential for greater UAE involvement if the ceasefire collapses.

Gulf allies UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar urged President Trump to pursue diplomacy with Iran, fearing renewed conflict would destabilize regional economies. Leaders argued military action wouldn't achieve US objectives, reflecting a shift for the UAE after recent hostilities. All three nations remain wary of further escalation.

The diplomatic cable published by independent news outlet Drop Site has revived Khan’s long-standing claims of a foreign-backed conspiracy, once again placing Pakistan’s fragile civil-military balance under scrutiny

India's recent MIRV-equipped Agni missile test propels its strategic program into global focus. This advancement, a culmination of decades of indigenous development, significantly bolsters India's nuclear deterrence, ensuring survivability and credible retaliation against evolving threats. The Agni series now forms a crucial pillar of India's nuclear triad, reflecting its growing technological prowess and geopolitical ambitions.

US and Israel reportedly explored a regime-change plan in Iran, centering on former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, after alleged strikes killed top officials and the Supreme Leader. The plan, devised by Mossad, aimed to install Ahmadinejad, despite his hardline past, but collapsed after an Israeli strike on his residence. His current whereabouts are unknown.

Xi dealt with Trump as his equal, pitting Beijing’s grand strategic concerns against Washington’s transactionalism. Yes, both sides outwardly agreed on some issues. But Beijing is playing a long game

President Trump's Beijing visit concluded without major breakthroughs, highlighting a widening gap in core interests between the US and China. While projecting stability, the meetings revealed limited cooperation on issues like Iran and Taiwan, with trade offering the only tangible deliverables. Both leaders claimed victory, entering a transactional phase focused on leverage.

India has successfully test-fired the 5,000 km-range, nuclear-capable Agni-5 missile with an MIRV system, joining an elite group of nations including the US, Russia, and China